Inside the Biggest John Deere Combine: The X9

Released during the summer of 2020, the John Deere X9 holds the title of John Deere's biggest and most powerful combine. Available in two models, the X9 1000 and the X9 1100, the combines offer growers a variety of new features and benefits to fully maximize harvest operations while meeting each operator’s unique harvesting needs.

Who Could Benefit Most from a John Deere X9 Combine?

The John Deere X9 combine was foremost designed for large acre farmers who need more harvesting capacity with no sacrifice in grain quality and for harvesting in less-than-ideal conditions like high-moisture corn and tough wheat. These new combines deliver an average of 45% more harvesting capacity across all crops — all while using 20% less fuel. The X9 1100 can harvest up to 30 acres an hour in wheat or soybeans, and it can harvest up to 7,200 bushels an hour in high-yielding corn, which is more than enough to fill 7 semi-trailer trucks per hour. These combines were designed to help customers conquer the ever-increasing yields in a timely and efficient manner.

X9 Design Innovations

Capacity: The X9 1100 combine is John Deere’s largest combine available in terms of capacity and efficiency. One of the main features and innovations of the new X9 combine is the dual separator design. The combine houses two 24-inch rotors with an increased threshing area of 45% and an increased separating area of 80% for better threshing and separating in high-volume crops with less grain loss. 

Keeping with the trend of increased capacity, the combine boosts the industry’s largest cleaning shoe covering more than 75 square feet, a 36% increase, to put more high-quality grain in the tank. A 23% wider feederhouse helps to handle the additional crop flow and a wider header. To carry the increase in capacity, the X9 1000 boosts a 420-bushel power folding grain tank while the X9 1100 can hold up to 460 bushels. And to unload all of that increased crop capacity, the X9 comes with your choice of three power-folding auger lengths (26, 28.5 or 31 ft.) with an adjustable spout option. You can unload a full tank in about a minute and a half — up to 5.3 bushels per second! Even with all of that increased capacity, amazingly the X9 Combine has about the same dimensions as that of the S790 Combine, for tight turns and narrow transport.

Efficiency: Not only did Deere drastically increase combine capacity, they did so without compromising on efficiency. The X9 utilizes a new more efficient engine, a John Deere 13.6-liter engine that delivers a 45% increase in harvesting capacity, while only needing 11% more horsepower than an S790. The engine delivers up to 690 engine hp for tough harvest conditions. While the new ProDrive™ XL Transmission with two motors for greater efficiency, allows for 30% more torque to handle larger loads with a smooth power increase and speed control. The combine features both an improved and simplified belt-drive system and an improved residue management system to spread residue evenly up to 50 feet. All of the combines improved systems, the belts, transmission, residue system, rotors and lower RPM, play a role in the combines overall fuel efficiency.

Versatility: The X9 Combine offers many of the same reliable precision ag technology options as the S700 Series, including JDLink™ Connect (5 Years), HarvestSmart™, Combine Advisor™ and ActiveVision™ Cameras, Precision Residue options, 4600 CommandCenter™ Display, In-Field Data Sharing, Machine Sync and more with three tiers of Technology Packages. There is an integrated StarFire™ 6000 Receiver to allow capabilities from hands-free steering to automated turning and even tractor/grain cart control to automate on-the-go unloading (available in the Ultimate Technology Package with Machine Sync).

The X9 features easy-change concaves to help quickly switch between crops, and reduced plugging — thanks to the modulated feederhouse reverse which allows the feederhouse to reverse under full engine RPM to reduce the chance of plugging in heavy crop. Customers still have the choice of wheels or 30- or 36-in. tracks. The X9 Combine will feature the same S700 Series Track design that was launched in 2019. Track systems provide many benefits to customers through increased flotation and reduced compaction.

X9 Cab & Comfort

A newly redesigned cab will also be a part of the X9. The cab will feature an updated look, more storage and connectivity, and lightening improvements will offer increased functionality and reduce eye strain and fatigue for the operator.

Comfort and Convenience Packages: There are three Comfort and Convenience Packages to choose from including: Select, Premium or Ultimate. The Ultimate Cab features a leather seat with heat, ventilation and massage features, auto-clinching door, footpegs, refrigerator, touchscreen radio (satellite and smart phone ready), five cupholders, accessory rail with tablet mount, and USB and power ports.

Visibility Packages: There are two enhanced Visibility Packages available: Premium or Ultimate. The Ultimate Package features 360-degree LED lights, LED lights under each wing, electric and heated mirror, front and right-side sunshades, back-up, grain tank and unloading auger cameras, and front and right-side wipers.

Suspension Packages: There are also two Suspension Packages available: Premium or Ultimate. The Ultimate Package includes the ActiveSeat II, which significantly reduces vertical motion up to 90% compared with the Premium Suspension Package.

Signature Edition: Like the recently released new 8 Family Tractors, Deere is offering the very best of the top-level features and functionality in one package — the John Deere Signature Edition. It features all of the Ultimate package levels in Comfort and Convenience, Visibility, Suspension, and Technology, so you are getting simply the best of what Deere has to offer.

We hope you enjoyed this quick overview of the X9 Series. Talk to your local Heritage Tractor sales representative to see if an X9 combine is right for your farming operation.

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